How many outer-orbit (valence) electron(s) are found in an atom of Germanium (Ge)? An atom of Germanium has 32 electrons. Please use the following chart:
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: 4 valence electrons
To determine how many valence (outer-orbit) electrons are found in a Germanium (Ge) atom, we need to look at its electron configuration and position on the periodic table.
Germanium has 32 electrons. The electrons fill energy levels (shells) in a specific order according to quantum mechanics. The full electron configuration for Germanium is:
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p²
From this configuration, we focus on the outermost shell, which is energy level 4 in this case. In energy level 4, Germanium has:
- 4s² (2 electrons)
- 4p² (2 electrons)
When you add them up:
2 (from 4s) + 2 (from 4p) = 4 valence electrons
These 4 electrons are in the highest energy level (n = 4), and they are the ones involved in chemical bonding. The 3d¹⁰ electrons, while present, are considered part of the inner (core) electrons because they are in a lower energy level (n = 3).
Another way to confirm this is by using the group number on the periodic table. Germanium is in Group 14 (IVA). All elements in this group have 4 valence electrons. Elements in the same group typically have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.
Valence electrons determine how atoms interact with each other. Since Germanium has 4 valence electrons, it can form up to four covalent bonds, making it chemically similar to other Group 14 elements like silicon and carbon.
In summary, an atom of Germanium (Ge) has 4 outer-orbit (valence) electrons because these are the electrons found in its highest occupied energy level, which is the fourth shell.
